The Urban Mobility Partnership, in association with Stagecoach have published a report introducing the concept of a Community Bus Partnership (CBP), which they describe as an evolution of the current Enhanced Partnership model.
The Enhanced Partnership (EP) bus model was introduced under the Bus Services Act 2017 to improve local bus services through formal collaboration between local transport authorities (LTAs) and bus operators.
It was designed as a middle ground between deregulated bus services (where operators have near-total control) and full franchising (where the local authority controls routes and fares).
The Community Bus Partnership would build on this by fostering deeper collaboration between councils and bus operators while avoiding the high costs and operational risks associated with full franchising.
The report makes four main recommendations:
Introducing longer consultation periods
A proposed reform to bus service regulations suggests extending the consultation periods for route or timetable changes to give local transport authorities (LTAs) greater oversight. Currently, operators must give 70 days’ notice, including 28 days for local authority input and a 42-day statutory notice. The new approach would introduce a flexible, staggered system where the length of the notice period depends on the scale of the change. For example, a full route withdrawal would require more notice than a minor mileage reduction due to staffing issues, allowing more time for LTAs and operators to collaborate on alternatives before changes take effect.
Commitment to a service baseline
A proposed approach to improving local bus services involves establishing a minimum service baseline between commercial bus operators and local authorities, as part of an Enhanced Partnership. This would involve operators committing to maintain a certain percentage of their current service levels—such as no less than 90% of existing mileage—during agreed periods. The aim is to give local authorities confidence that essential routes, particularly in rural areas, will continue to operate even if passenger numbers fall. These agreements could apply both to the overall network and to specific routes, allowing flexibility in service frequency while providing medium-term stability for passengers and policymakers.
Traffic light scheme for at-risk routes
A proposed traffic light system could help identify and manage bus routes at risk of service cuts. Routes would be classified as red, amber, or green based on their commercial viability, with red routes requiring early discussions between operators and local authorities—well before the statutory 28-day notice period. Amber routes would signal potential longer-term risks. Since most route decline happens gradually, this system would encourage early collaboration to explore alternatives, such as targeted funding or demand-responsive transport in rural areas. Greater data sharing would be expected for at-risk routes, helping authorities understand challenges and work with operators on solutions.
Taking on moving traffic offences
Local authorities in England outside London have been able to apply for powers to enforce moving traffic offences, such as bus lane misuse, since May 2022. These powers, granted by the Secretary of State, give councils greater control over local traffic enforcement. So far, 73 authorities have been granted these powers, though the total number eligible but not yet participating remains unclear. Taking on these responsibilities can help councils reduce congestion, improve road safety and traffic flow, and enhance bus reliability and air quality. Revenues from fines can be reinvested locally; for example, Hull uses some funds to subsidise youth bus fares.
The full report can be read here.
Speaking at the report launch, Claire Miles, CEO of Stagecoach, said: ‘This report highlights the critical role Enhanced Partnerships can play in transforming local bus services. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to working hand-in-hand with local authorities to deliver more reliable, inclusive, and customer-focused transport solutions. By setting clear service expectations and sharing best practices, we can build a stronger, more resilient bus network that better serves communities across the country.’
Julian Scriven, Chair of UMP and MD of Brompton Bike Hire said: ‘Bus services are a crucial part of the UK’s transport network, providing essential access to affordable and reliable travel. Like other transport modes, buses require close collaboration between operators and Local Transport Authorities. Enhanced Partnerships offer a practical way forward, enabling improvements to local bus services with minimal disruption. They also provide operators with the flexibility to collaborate with other transport modes through innovative initiatives like mobility hubs, enhancing seamless connectivity for first and last mile journeys.’
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: ‘Enhanced Partnerships provide a flexible and effective model that allows operators and local authorities to innovate together. From addressing at-risk routes to improving the customer experience through better enforcement and infrastructure, these recommendations show that real progress is possible without the need for a one-size-fits-all solution. We’re proud to be at the forefront of shaping a modern, sustainable bus service for the East Midlands and beyond.’
Alex Mayer, Labour MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, and a strong advocate for public transport, also expressed support for Enhanced Partnerships, stating: ‘Passengers are clear that they want: regular and reliable buses. They are less fussed about the model of governance that gets them there. As local leaders weigh up what is best for their communities it’s clear there are many models available, not least Enhanced Partnerships which are already successfully proving themselves across the country.’
Leave a Reply